In 12 personal stories Shaun shares the power of 'I Will'—a code that has carried him to the heights of professional success and helped him navigate the depths of profound grief after the loss of his teenage son, Mathew.

Tomson’s new book was inspired by the students at Anacapa School, a small, independent school in his hometown of Santa Barbara, California. After speaking to the students Shaun asked each of them to create their own personal code, their vision of their future – to take just 20 minutes and think about their goals and write them down, starting every sentence with the words “I Will”.

A week later, Shaun received the answers. “They were beautiful, sensitive, full of humor and hope. In essence the kids wrote a series of promises they had made to themselves.” It is the student’s “I Will” statements that create the framework for the book.

"The Code is our TOP seller. The kind of book we love to sell. People pick it up, look at it and buy it," Mary Sheldon - Tecolote Bookstore, Montecito, California.

"One of our top sellers and right at the front of the store!" Eric Love - Chaucers, Santa Barbara, California.

"Shaun's book of inspiration makes the perfect gift - it is a great read and sells well!" Margot Farris - Pages Bookstore, Manhattan Beach, California.

"Our retail success with The Code by Shaun Tomson was instant and immediate. We sold 55 of the 60 books we ordered in two hours at our book signing, and the remaining 5 were sold the next day. We already have an extensive waitlist! I think it has been such a hit with our customers due to the books powerful message and its resonance with families," said Winnie Beattie - Warm, New York City.

"We tell people in store it is a must read for kids and parents-it is tough to be and to raise a kid these days, and every bit of a message of positivity and hope and strength helps," she added.

"I've been in the surf business since 1970 - I have never had a response to a book like The Code. It appeals to all ages with powerful words that can bring you to tears," Bird Huffman - Bird's Surf Shed, San Diego, California.

"The Code is a wonderful book. It has proven to be our best selling book this year by far. Our customers have bought them to read together with their kids," Beverley Lindberg - O'Neill Retail Division, Santa Cruz, California.

"The Code is a great seller and a great read with a powerful message," Aaron Pai - Huntington Surf & Sport, Huntington Beach, California.

Shaun Tomson, a native of South Africa, won surfing’s world championship in 1977 and was listed as one of the most influential surfers of the century. He graduated from the University of Natal with a business finance degree and launched two popular surf apparel brands in the 1980s and 90s.